The outcome of the Spanish Civil War which led to the defeat of the Spanish Republic forced Julio Gonzalez into a precarious and uncertain period. The Second World War and German occupation compelled him to leave Paris and find refuge in the Lot Valley in the south of France.

Having no access to the materials he required for sculpting, González dedicated himself mainly to drawing and molding plaster. Influenced by Surrealism, this drawing presents a character in a pompous stance. A brushstroke stems from the figure’s thigh and seems to represent an erect penis. One of its arms is a sickle.

In contrast to the political commitment of his work entitled Montserrat (1936-1937), which became a symbol for the resistance against fascism and war, this drawing connects with Monsieur Cactus and Madame Cactus (1939-1940). The human figure appears depicted with grotesque traits; like a confident puppet that is run over by history.